Compositions and Methods for Treating and Preventing Staphylococcus Aureus Infections

ABSTRACT

Antibodies having Fab regions that specifically bind to  Staphylococcus aureus  protein A are capable of mediating opsinization of  Staphylococcus aureus  bacteria despite their expression of antibody-neutralizing protein A. These antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof can be used in methods of treating and/or preventing  Staphylococcus aureus  infections.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. nonprovisional patent application No. 15/281,676 filed on Set. 30, 2016, which is a continuation application of Ser. No. 15/174,068 filed on Jun. 6, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,486,523), which is a continuation application of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/729,260 filed on Jun. 3, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,416,172), which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/007,242 filed on Jun. 3, 2014, U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/041,423 filed on Aug. 25, 2014, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/115,665 filed on Feb. 13, 2015.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on May 28, 2015, is named 5407-0233_SL.txt and is 83,034 bytes in size.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates generally to methods of medical treatment, immunology, and microbiology. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods for treating and preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections.

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a substantial cause of sickness and death in both humans and animals. Infection with these gram-positive cocci often results in the development of a superficial abscess. Other cases of SA infection can be much more serious. For example, intrusion of SA into the lymphatics and blood can lead to a systemic infection which in turn can cause complications such as endocarditis, arthritis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, septic shock and even death. Hospital-acquired SA infection is common and particularly problematic with SA being the most frequent cause of hospital-acquired surgical site infections and pneumonia, and the second most frequent cause of cardiovascular and bloodstream infections. Antibiotic administration has been and remains the standard treatment for SA infections. Unfortunately, the use of antibiotics has also fueled the development of antibiotic resistance in SA. Notably, methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) has evolved the ability to resist beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin and cephalosporins. More alarmingly, SA resistant to antibiotics of last resort such as vancomycin and linezolid have recently emerged. Therefore a new approach for preventing and treating SA infections is needed

SUMMARY

It was discovered that certain antibodies (Abs) having Fab region paratopes that specifically bind to SA protein A (SpA) are capable of mediating opsinization of SA bacteria despite SA's expression of antibody (Ab)-neutralizing SpA. Previous Ab-based strategies for treating or preventing SA infections showed promise in pre-clinical and early stage clinical trials, but failed to meet endpoints in phase III trials. Perhaps explaining these results, previous strategies did not address the Ab-neutralizing property of SpA. SpA is a heavily expressed cell wall-associated protein that binds most immunoglobulins (Igs) via their Fc (effector) regions. SpA binds to human antibodies of subclasses IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4 via their Fc region with a KD of about 1×10⁻⁹ M, and thereby acts as an Fc region anchor that orients the effector portion of an immunoglobulin (Ig) away from Fc-interacting immune effectors such as complement and Fc receptor (FcR)-bearing phagocytes. Accordingly, most Abs specific for SA antigens are “sequestered” from immune effectors in this manner. In addition, because SpA is so highly expressed on the cell wall of SA (estimated 7% of the cell wall), it mediates the formation of a shield of Igs covering the cell wall. This shield sterically hinders Abs specific for cell wall antigens from binding their targets and mediating oponophagocytosis of the bacteria. The formation of an Ig shield was not previously appreciated as a virulence factor. Thus the discovery that SA-binding Abs having Fab regions that specifically bind SpA while permitting their Fc regions to still interact with FcRs on immune effector cells and/or activate complement by binding C1q despite the Fc-neutralizing ability of SpA and the formation of an Ig shield was a significant step over other anti-SA Ab-based approaches. Preferred versions of such Abs are capable of displacing Igs already bound to SpA by their Fc regions.

As examples of the foregoing, described herein are isolated or purified antibodies (particularly human IgG3 antibodies which have Fc regions with low or no affinity for SpA such as one with the allotype having arginine at amino acid position 435; Stapleton et al., Nature Communications 2, Article number: 599, 2011) having Fab regions that can specifically bind a target epitope of SpA on a SA bacterium while their Fc regions are still able to interact with an FcR (e.g., soluble recombinant or native on immune effector cells)—despite the Fc-binding property of SpA and steric hindrance of the target epitope by Igs bound to SpA via their Fc region. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions that contain at least one of these antibodies and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (e.g., a non-natural pharmaceutically acceptable carrier). Further provided are methods of treating a subject having a SA infection or reducing the risk of developing a SA infection in a subject that include administering a therapeutically effective amount of any of the pharmaceutical compositions described herein or any of the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments described herein to a subject in need thereof.

As used herein, the word “a” or “an” before a noun represents one or more of the particular noun. For example, the phrase “an antibody” represents “one or more antibodies.”

By the term “antibody” or “Ab” is meant any immunoglobulin (e.g., human, cartilagenous fish, or camelid antibodies) or conjugate thereof, that specifically binds to an antigen (e.g., an SpA antigen such as SEQ ID NO: 1 or an antigenic fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1). A wide variety of Abs are known by those skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples of Abs include: monoclonal Abs (e.g., including full-length Abs), polyclonal Abs, multi-specific Abs (e.g., bi-specific Abs), dual variable domain Abs, single-chain Abs (e.g., single-domain Abs, camelid Abs, and cartilagenous fish Abs), chimeric (e.g., humanized, such as humanized IgG3) Abs, and human Abs (e.g., human IgG3 Abs). The term antibody also includes Ab conjugates (e.g., an Ab conjugated to a stabilizing protein, a label, or a therapeutic agent (e.g., any of the therapeutic agents described herein or known in the art)).

By the term “antigen-binding fragment” is meant any portion of a full-length Ab that contains at least one variable domain ((e.g., a variable domain of a mammalian (e.g., human, mouse, rat, rabbit, or goat) heavy or light chain immunoglobulin), a camelid variable antigen-binding domain (VHH), or a cartilagenous fish immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (Ig-NAR) domain) that is capable of specifically binding to an antigen. For example, an antigen-binding fragment described herein can include at least part of an Ab Fc region that is sufficient to mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and/or complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) in a mammal (e.g., a human) and/or is conjugated to a therapeutic agent (e.g., any of the therapeutic agents described herein or known in the art). Non-limiting examples of Ab fragments include Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv fragments, diabodies, linear antibodies, and multi-specific Ab formed from Ab fragments. Additional Ab fragments containing at least one camelid VHH domain or at least one cartilagenous fish Ig-NAR domain include mini-bodies, micro-antibodies, subnano-antibodies, and nano-antibodies, and any of the other forms of Abs described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0092470. An antigen binding fragment can be, e.g., an antigen-binding fragment of human or humanized IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 IgG4, IgD, IgA, IgE, or IgM.

By the term “human antibody” is meant an Ab that is encoded by a nucleic acid (e.g., rearranged human immunoglobulin heavy or light chain locus) present in the genome of a human. In some embodiments, a human Ab is produced in a mammalian (e.g., human) cell culture. In some embodiments, a human Ab is produced in a non-human cell (e.g., a Chinese hamster ovary cell line or a mouse or hamster cell line). In some embodiments, a human Ab is produced in a bacterial or yeast cell. A human Ab can include a conjugated therapeutic agent (e.g., any of the therapeutic agents described herein or known in the art). A human Ab can be human IgG1, IgG2, IgG4, IgD, IgA, IgE, or IgM, and is preferably human IgG3. By the term “true human antibody” is meant an Ab with heavy and light chain variable regions that are naturally present in the serum of a human being.

By the term “humanized antibody” is meant an Ab which contains mostly sequences of a human Ab but also includes minimal sequences derived from a non-human (e.g., mouse, rat, rabbit, or goat) Ig. In non-limiting examples, humanized Abs are human Abs (recipient Ab) in which hypervariable region residues of the recipient Ab are replaced by hypervariable region residues from a non-human species Ab (donor Ab), e.g., mouse, rat, rabbit, or goat Ab having the desired specificity, affinity, and capacity. In some embodiments, the Fv framework residues of the human Ig are replaced by corresponding non-human residues. In some embodiments, humanized Abs may contain residues which are not found in the recipient Ab or in the donor Ab. These modifications can be made to further refine Ab performance.

In some embodiments, the humanized Ab will contain substantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the hypervariable loops (complementary determining regions) correspond to those of a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the framework regions are those of a human immunoglobulin sequence. The humanized antibody can also contain at least a portion of an Ig constant region (Fc region), typically, that of a human Ig (e.g., human IgG3). Humanized Abs can be produced by molecular biology methods that are well known in the art. Non-limiting examples of methods for generating humanized Abs are described herein. A humanized antibody can include a conjugated therapeutic agent (e.g., any of the therapeutic agents described herein or known in the art).

By the term “single-chain antibody” is meant a single polypeptide that contains at least one variable binding domain (e.g., a variable domain of a mammalian heavy or light chain Ig, a camelid variable antigen-binding domain (VHH), or a cartilagenous fish (e.g., shark) immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (Ig-NAR) domain) that is capable of specifically binding to an antigen. Non-limiting examples of single-chain Abs are described herein, and are known in the art (see, for example, the antibodies described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0092470). A single-domain antibody can include a conjugated therapeutic agent (e.g., any of the therapeutic agents described herein or known in the art).

An Ab or antigen-binding fragment thereof “specifically binds” or “binds specifically” to a particular antigen, e.g., SpA (such as an epitope comprising SEQ ID NO: 1 or an antigenic fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1), when it binds to that antigen, but recognizes and binds to a lesser extent (e.g., does not recognize and bind) to other molecules in a sample. In some embodiments, an Ab or an antigen-binding fragment thereof selectively binds to an epitope with an affinity (K_(D)) equal to or less than 1×10⁻¹⁰ M (e.g., less than 1×10⁻¹¹ M or less than 1×10⁻¹² M) in phosphate buffered saline (e.g., as determined by surface plasmon resonance). The ability of an Ab or antigen-binding fragment to specifically bind a protein epitope may be determined using any of the methods known in the art or those methods described herein.

By the term “complementarity determining region” or “CDR” is meant a region within an Ig (heavy or light chain Ig) that forms part of an antigen-binding site (paratope) in an Ab or antigen-binding fragment thereof. As is known in the art, a heavy chain Ig normally contains three CDRs: CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, and a light chain Ig normally contains three CDRs: CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3. In any Ab or antigen-binding fragment thereof, the three CDRs from the heavy chain Ig and the three CDRs from the light chain Ig together form an antigen-binding site in the Ab or antigen-binding fragment thereof. The Kabat Database is one system used in the art to number CDR sequences present in a light chain Ig or a heavy chain Ig.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Methods and materials are described herein for use in the present invention; other, suitable methods and materials known in the art can also be used. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications, patents, sequences, database entries, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of SpA showing the different domains and the location of each of five antigenic peptides. The sequence of antigenic peptide #5 is shown (SEQ ID NO: 1).

FIG. 2 is a set of two graphs showing a histogram of the fluorescence of SA clinical isolate 00X (top) and SA strain ATCC #25923 (bottom) incubated with biotinylated PA8-G3 Ab (light line) or control biotinylated anti-interleukin-1alpha Ab (MABp1) (dark line), and then incubated with streptavidin-APC.

FIG. 3 is a set of two graphs showing a histogram of the fluorescence of clinical isolate 00X (top) and strain ATCC #25923 (bottom) incubated with unlabeled PA8-G3 Ab (light line) or unlabeled MABp1 Ab (dark line), followed by biotinylated recombinant Fcy receptor 1, and then incubated with streptavidin-APC.

FIG. 4 is graph of the mean fluorescent intensity of differentiated HL60 cells (using fluorescence cell sorting) following co-incubation with PA8-G3 Ab opsonized with pH-rodo-green labeled strain ATCC #25923 or clinical isolate 00X. Similar samples incubated with a control Ab MABp1, instead of PA8-G3 Ab were used as a negative control.

FIG. 5 is a set of two graphs showing the fluorescence intensity of clinical isolate 00X (top) or ATCC #25923 (bottom) pre-incubated with human sera for 15 minutes prior to the addition of biotinylated PA8-G3 Ab or negative control MABP1 Ab, and then incubated with streptavidin APC.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the mean fluorescent intensity of differentiated or undifferentiated HL-60 cells after co-incubation with pH-rodo-green labeled SA and one of the following unlabeled Abs: PA7.2-G3, PA4-G3, PA8-G3, PA15-G3, PA21-G3, PA27-G3, PA32-G3, PA37-G3, or MABp1. The MABp1 Ab samples were used as a negative control.

FIGS. 7A-D are graphs showing that administration of mAb PA8 enhances the survival of murine subjects infected with S. aureus.

FIGS. 8A-C are graphs showing the synergy between PA8-G3 and vancomycin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are methods and compositions for treating a subject having a SA infection or reducing the risk of developing a SA infection in a subject.

Antibodies and Antigen-Binding Fragments Thereof

Described herein are purified or isolated (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% pure by weight) Abs (e.g., preferably true human, human, or humanized IgG3s) that bind to SpA and are capable of mediating opsinization of SA bacteria despite SA's expression of antibody (Ab)-neutralizing SpA. Preferred such Abs bind to the peptide of SEQ ID NO:1 with a sufficient binding affinity to displace human IgG immunoglobulins (e.g., one or more of IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4) bound to SpA via their Fc region. Preferred Abs can bind to SpA via their Fab region paratopes with a K_(D) of less than 1×10⁻¹⁰ M (e.g., less than 1×10⁻¹¹ M, less than 1×10⁻¹²M, less than 0.5×10⁻¹² M, or less than 1×10⁻¹³M) under physiological conditions (e.g., phosphate buffered saline) (e.g., as determined using surface plasmon resonance or Bio-Layer Interferometry using recombinant SpA). For example, the Abs described herein that bind to SpA via their Fab regions with a K_(D) of between 1×10⁻¹⁰ M and 0.5×10⁻¹²M, between 1×10⁻¹¹ M and 0.5×10⁻¹² M, between 1×10⁻¹¹ M and 0.2×10⁻¹² M (e.g., under physiological conditions, e.g., phosphate buffered saline, e.g., as measured used surface plasmon resonance using recombinant SpA) are preferred. Those Abs or antigen-binding fragments described herein preferably are able to displace human Abs (e.g., one or more of IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4) bound to SpA in the cell wall of a SA bacterium via their Fc regions. Also provided herein are purified or isolated (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% pure by weight) mAbs (e.g., preferably true human, human, or humanized IgG3s) that specifically bind Staphylococcus aureus protein A (SpA) with a K_(D) of less than 1×10⁻¹⁰ M via their Fab region paratopes, wherein the mAbs are able to mediate opsinization of SpA-expressing Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the presence of at least 1 mg/ml (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 25, 50, or 100 mg/ml, or the amount normally contained in human serum) of IgG immunoglobulins which bind SpA via their Fc regions

The purified or isolated Abs provided herein might bind to an epitope present in the extracellular domain (e.g., present in the X_(R) repeat region and one or more of the IgG binding domains) of SpA. Non-limiting examples of an antigen that can be specifically recognized by any of the Abs (or antigen-binding fragments thereof) provided herein include: 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 1 (e.g., a fragment starting at amino acid position 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 of SEQ ID NO: 1); 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 82 (e.g., a fragment starting at amino acid position 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 of SEQ ID NO: 82); 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 83 (e.g., a fragment starting at amino acid position 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 of SEQ ID NO: 83); 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 84 (e.g., a fragment starting at amino acid position 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 of SEQ ID NO: 84); 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 85 (e.g., a fragment starting at amino acid position 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 of SEQ ID NO: 85); or 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 contiguous amino acids from amino acid positions 1 to 20, 10 to 30, 20 to 40, 30 to 50, 40 to 60, 50 to 70, 60 to 80, 70 to 90, 80 to 100, 90 to 110, 100 to 120, 110 to 130, 120 to 140, 130 to 150, 140 to 160, 150 to 170, 160 to 180, 170 to 190, 180 to 200, 190 to 210, 200 to 220, 210 to 230, 220 to 240, 230 to 250, 240 to 260, 250 to 270, 260 to 280, 270 to 290, 280 to 300, 290 to 310, 300 to 320, 310 to 330, 320 to 340, 330 to 350, 340 to 360, 350 to 370, 360 to 380, 370 to 390, 380 to 400, 390 to 410, 400 to 420, 410 to 430, 420 to 440, or 430 or to 450 of SEQ ID NO: 86. Examples of other antigens include similar fragments of SpAs having amino acids sequences differing from that of SEQ ID NO:86.

Methods for determining the ability of an Ab or antigen-binding fragment thereof to bind to a target protein (e.g., SpA or a portion thereof) can be performed using methods known in the art. Non-limiting examples of such methods include competitive binding assays using Abs known to bind the target protein (e.g., SpA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, BioCoRE®, affinity columns, immunoblotting, or protein array technology. In some embodiments, the binding activity of the Ab or antigen-binding fragment thereof is determined by contacting a SA bacterium with the Ab or antigen-binding fragment thereof. Exemplary methods for determining the ability of an Ab or antigen-binding fragment to displace human Abs (e.g., one or more of IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4) bound to SpA in the cell wall of a SA bacterium are described in the Examples section below. Additional methods for determining the ability of an Ab or antigen-binding fragment to displace human Abs (e.g., one or more of IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4) bound to SpA in the cell wall of a SA bacterium are known in the art.

An Ab can be, e.g., a mAb, a multi-specific Ab (e.g., a bispecific Ab), a chimeric Ab (e.g., a humanized Ab, such as a humanized IgG Ab), a human Ab, or a fragment of any of the foregoing. For example, an Ab can be a human or humanized monoclonal IgG3 Ab. An Ab can also be a single-chain Ab (e.g., a single-domain Ab), such as a single-chain camelid or cartilagenous fish (e.g., shark) Ab, or a single-chain Ab that contains at least one camelid variable antigen-binding domain (VHH) or at least one cartilagenous fish (e.g., shark) immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (Ig-NAR) domain (see, for example, the Abs described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0092470). An Ab can be a whole Ab molecule or an Ab multimer.

The term Ab also includes Ab conjugates (e.g., an Ab conjugated to a stabilizing protein, a label, or a therapeutic agent (e.g., any of the therapeutic agents described herein or known in the art)). An Ab provided herein can, for example, include a Fc domain or part of a Fc domain that is sufficient to mediate Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and/or complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) in a mammal (e.g., a human), and/or is conjugated to a therapeutic agent (e.g., any of the therapeutic agents described herein or known in the art). An Ab can be, e.g., a human or humanized IgG1, IgG2, IgG4, IgD, IgA, IgE, or IgM, and is preferably a human or humanized IgG3.

An antigen-binding fragment described herein can, e.g., include at least part of a Fc domain that is sufficient to mediate Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and/or complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) in a mammal (e.g., a human) and/or is conjugated to a therapeutic agent (e.g., any of the therapeutic agents described herein or known in the art). Non-limiting examples of Ab fragments include Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, single-chain Fvs (scFvs), Fv fragments, fragments containing either a variable light or variable heavy chain domain, diabodies, linear Abs, and multi-specific Abs formed from Ab fragments. Additional Ab fragments containing at least one camelid VHH domain or at least one cartilagenous fish Ig-NAR domain include mini-bodies, micro-Abs, subnano-Abs, and nano-Abs, and any of the other forms of Abs described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0092470.

The Abs or antigen-binding fragments thereof can be of any type (e.g., human or humanized IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA, and IgY), class (e.g., human or humanized IgG1 (e.g., IgG1a or IgG1b), IgG2 (e.g., IgG2a or IgG2b), IgG3 (e.g., IgG3a or IgG3b), IgG4 (e.g., IgG4a or IgG4b), IgA1, and IgA2 or subclass, although those with an Fc binding affinity for SpA is low 9e.g., having a K_(D) of greater than 1×10⁻⁷ M, 1×10⁻⁶ M, 1×10⁻⁵M, 1×10⁻⁴ M, or 1×10⁻³M; or having a K_(D) greater than that of SpA for the Fc region of a human IgG1) under physiological conditions (e.g., phosphate buffered saline) (e.g., as determined using surface plasmon resonance using recombinant SpA) are preferred. An antigen binding fragment can be, e.g., an antigen-binding fragment of human or humanized IgG1 (e.g., IgG1a or IgG1b), IgG2 (e.g., IgG2a or IgG2b), IgG4 (e.g., IgG4a or IgG4b), IgD, IgA (e.g., IgAl or IgA2), IgE, or IgM, and is preferably a fragment of human or humanized IgG3 (e.g., IgG3a or IgG3b). Amino acid mutations may be introduced into the constant region of these IgG subclasses. Amino acid mutations that can be introduced may be, for example, those that enhance binding to Fc receptors (as described in, e.g., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 103(11):4005-4010, 2006; MAbs 1(6): 572-579, 2009; US 2010/0196362; US 2013/0108623; US 2014/0171623; US 2014/0093496; and US 2014/0093959), or enhance or decrease binding to FcRn (as described in, e.g., J. Biol. Chem. 276(9):6591-6604, 2001; Int Immunol. 18(12):1759-1769, 2006; and J. Biol. Chem. 281(33):23514-23524, 2006).

Two types of H chains are heterologously associated to produce a bispecific Ab. The knobs-into-holes technology (as described in, e.g., J. Immunol. Methods 248(1-2):7-15, 2001; and J. Biol. Chem. 285(27): 20850-20859, 2010), the electrostatic repulsion technology (as described in, e.g., WO 06/106905), the SEEDbody technology (as described in, e.g., Protein Eng. Des. Sel. 23(4):195-202, 2010), and such may be used for heterologous association of two types of H chains via a CH3 domain. Any of the antibodies described herein may be those with a modified or deficient sugar chain. Examples of antibodies having modified sugar chains include glycosylation-engineered antibodies (as described in, e.g., WO 99/54342), antibodies with defucosylated sugar chains (as described in, e.g., WO 00/61739, WO 02/31140, WO 06/067847, and WO 06/067913), and antibodies having a sugar chain with bisecting GlcNAc (as described in, e.g., WO 02/79255). Known examples of methods for producing sugar chain-deficient IgG antibodies include the method of introducing a mutation to asparagine at EU numbering position 297 in the heavy chain (J. Clin. Pharmacol. 50(5): 494-506, 2010), and the method of producing IgG using E. coli (J. Immunol. Methods 263(1-2):133-147, 2002; and J. Biol. Chem. 285(27):20850-20859, 2010). Furthermore, heterogeneity accompanying deletion of C-terminal lysine in IgG, and heterogeneity accompanying mispairing of disulfide bonds in the hinge region of IgG2 can be decreased by introducing amino acid deletions/substitutions (as described in, e.g., WO 09/041613). Any of the Abs or antigen-binding fragments described herein includes at least one (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, or six) amino acids (e.g., an added, inserted, or substituted amino acid, e.g., not within a CDR) that are not present in a corresponding human Ab. Any of the Abs or antigen-binding fragments described herein can also have at least one amino acid deleted (e.g., as compared to a corresponding human Ab), e.g., a deletion from the N- or C-terminus of a light or heavy chain, or a deletion of an amino acid from a constant domain (e.g., Fc domain).

SpA, or fragment thereof (e.g., at least 7, 8, 9, or 10 continuous amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 1 (e.g., starting at amino acid position 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 of SEQ ID NO: 1), or all of SEQ ID NO: 1) can be used as an immunogen to generate Abs using standard techniques for polyclonal and monoclonal Ab preparation. Ab fragments can be generated from monoclonal Abs using well-known methods in the art.

An immunogen typically is used to prepare Abs by immunizing a suitable subject (e.g., rabbit, goat, mouse, or other mammal). An appropriate immunogenic preparation can contain, for example, a recombinantly expressed or a chemically synthesized polypeptide. The preparation can further include an adjuvant, such as Freund's complete or incomplete adjuvant, or a similar immunostimulatory agent.

As an alternative to preparing monoclonal Ab-secreting hybridomas, a monoclonal Ab directed against a polypeptide can be identified and isolated by screening a recombinant combinatorial immunoglobulin library (e.g., an Ab phage display library) with the polypeptide of interest. Kits for generating and screening phage display libraries are commercially available (e.g., the Pharmacia Recombinant Phage Antibody System, Catalog No. 27-9400-01; and the Stratagene SurfZAP* Phage Display Kit, Catalog No. 240612). Additionally, examples of methods and reagents particularly amenable for use in generating and screening an Ab display library can be found in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,409; WO 92/18619; WO 91/17271; WO 92/2079; WO 92/15679; WO 93/01288; WO 92/01047; WO 92/09690; WO 90/02809; Fuchs et al., Bio/Technology 9:1370-1372, 1991; Hay et al., Hum. Antibod. Hybridomas 3:81-85, 1992; Huse et al., Science 246:1275-1281, 1989; Griffiths et al., EMBO J. 12:725-734, 1993.

Additional methods for isolating and sequencing a human Ab (e.g., human IgG3) that binds specifically to a SpA epitope (e.g., an epitope located or defined within the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1) are described in the Examples section below. Additional general methods for making Abs and antigen-binding fragments are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0059085.

In some embodiments, Abs or antigen-binding fragments provided herein are human or humanized Abs (e.g., human or humanized IgG3 Abs). In some embodiments, a humanized Ab is a human Ab that has been engineered to contain at least one complementary determining region (CDR) present in a non-human Ab (e.g., a rat, mouse, rabbit, or goat Ab). In some embodiments, a humanized Ab or fragment thereof can contain all three CDRs of a light chain of a human or non-human Ab that specifically binds to a SpA epitope (e.g., an epitope located or defined within the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1). In some embodiments, the humanized Ab or fragment thereof can contain all three CDRs of a heavy chain of a human or non-human Ab that specifically binds to a SpA epitope (e.g., an epitope located or defined within the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1). In some embodiments, the humanized Ab or fragment thereof can contain all three CDRs of a heavy chain and all three CDRs of a light chain of a non-human or human monoclonal Ab that specifically binds to a SpA epitope (e.g., an epitope located or defined within the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1).

Abs of the invention may also include multimeric forms of Abs. For example, Abs of the invention may take the form of Ab dimers, trimers, or higher-order multimers of monomeric immunoglobulin molecules. Dimers of whole immunoglobulin molecules or of F(ab′)₂ fragments are tetravalent, whereas dimers of Fab fragments or scFv molecules are bivalent. Individual monomers within an Ab multimer may be identical or different, i.e., they may be heteromeric or homomeric Ab multimers. For example, individual Abs within a multimer may have the same or different binding specificities.

Multimerization of Abs may be accomplished through natural aggregation of Abs or through chemical or recombinant linking techniques known in the art. For example, some percentage of purified Ab preparations (e.g., purified IgG1 molecules) spontaneously form protein aggregates containing Ab homodimers and other higher-order Ab multimers. Alternatively, Ab homodimers may be formed through chemical linkage techniques known in the art. For example, heterobifunctional crosslinking agents including, but not limited to, SMCC (succinimidyl 4-(maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate) and SATA (N-succinimidyl S-acethylthio-acetate) (available, for example, from Pierce Biotechnology, Inc. (Rockford, Ill.)) can be used to form Ab multimers. An exemplary protocol for the formation of Ab homodimers is given in Ghetie et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 94: 7509-7514, 1997). Ab homodimers can be converted to Fab′₂ homodimers through digestion with pepsin. Another way to form Ab homodimers is through the use of the autophilic T15 peptide described in Zhao et al. (J. Immunol. 25:396-404, 2002).

Alternatively, Abs can be made to multimerize through recombinant DNA techniques. IgM and IgA naturally form Ab multimers through the interaction with the mature J chain polypeptide. Non-IgA or non-IgM molecules, such as IgG molecules, can be engineered to contain the J chain interaction domain of IgA or IgM, thereby conferring the ability to form higher order multimers on the non-IgA or non-IgM molecules (see, for example, Chintalacharuvu et al., Clin. Immunol. 101:21-31, 2001, and Frigerio et al., Plant Physiol. 123:1483-1494, 2000). IgA dimers are naturally secreted into the lumen of mucosa-lined organs. This secretion is mediated through interaction of the J chain with the polymeric IgA receptor (pIgR) on epithelial cells. If secretion of an IgA form of an Ab (or of an Ab engineered to contain a J chain interaction domain) is not desired, it can be greatly reduced by expressing the Ab molecule in association with a mutant J chain that does not interact well with pIgR (Johansen et al., J. Immunol., 167:5185-192, 2001). ScFv dimers can also be formed through recombinant techniques known in the art; an example of the construction of scFv dimers is given in Goel et al. (Cancer Res. 60:6964-71, 2000). Ab multimers may be purified using any suitable method known in the art, including, but not limited to, size exclusion chromatography.

Any of the Abs or antigen-binding fragments described herein may be conjugated to a stabilizing molecule (e.g., a molecule that increases the half-life of the Ab or antigen-binding fragment thereof in a feline or in solution). Non-limiting examples of stabilizing molecules include: a polymer (e.g., a polyethylene glycol) or a protein (e.g., serum albumin, such as feline serum albumin). Any of the Abs or antigen-binding fragments described herein may be conjugated to a label (e.g., a fluorophore, radioisotope, or luminescent molecule) or a therapeutic agent (e.g., a cytotoxic agent or a radioisotope). Exemplary methods for attaching a label or therapeutic agent to an Ab are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2013/0224228. Non-limiting examples of cytotoxic agents include agent known to induce cell death of microbe (e.g., a gram positive bacterium, such as Staphylococcus aureus). Non-limiting examples of cytotoxic agents that can be conjugated to any of the Abs or antigen-binding fragments provided herein include: linezolid, erythromycin, mupirocin, ertapenem, doripenem, imipenem, cilastatin, meropenem, cefadroxil, cefazolin, cefalotin, cephalothin, cephalexin, ceflacor, cefamandole, cefoxitin, cefprozil, cefuroxime, cefixime, cefdinir, cefditoren, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, ceftibuten, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone, ceftaroline fosamil, ceftobiprole, teicoplanin, vancomycin, televancin, clindamycin, lincomycin, daptomycin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, azlocillin, carbenicillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, flucloxacillin, mezlocillin, methicillin, nafcillin, oxacillin, penicillin G, penicillin V, piperacillin, penicillin G, temocillin, ticarcillin, bacitracin, colistin, polymyxin B, ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, trovafloxacin, grepafloxacin, sparfloxacin, temafloxacin, mafenide, sulfacetamide, sulfadiazine, silver sulfadiazine, sulfadimethoxine, sufamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfanilamide, sulfasalazine, sulfisoxazole, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sulfonamidochrysoidine, demeclocycline, doxycycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline, and tetracycline.

For example, an Ab (e.g., a human or humanized monoclonal IgG3) or antigen-binding fragment thereof (e.g., a fragment of a human or humanized monoclonal IgG3) provided herein that specifically binds to SpA can include:

(i) a heavy chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and/or a light chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 7, 8, and 9, respectively;

(ii) a heavy chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 12, 13, and 14, respectively, and/or a light chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 17, 18, and 19, respectively;

(iii) a heavy chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, and 24, respectively, and/or a light chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 27, 28, and 29, respectively;

(iv) a heavy chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 32, 33, and 34, respectively, and/or a light chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 37, 38, and 39, respectively;

(v) a heavy chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43, and 44, respectively, and/or a light chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 47, 48, and 49, respectively;

(vi) a heavy chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 52, 53, and 54, respectively, and/or a light chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 57, 58, and 59, respectively;

(vii) a heavy chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 62, 63, and 64, respectively, and/or a light chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 67, 68, and 69, respectively; or

(viii) a heavy chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 72, 73, and 74, respectively, and/or a light chain comprising a CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs: 77, 78, and 79, respectively.

In some examples, any of the Abs provided herein has: an Ab heavy chain including SEQ ID NO: 6 and/or a light chain including SEQ ID NO: 11; an Ab heavy chain including SEQ ID NO: 16 and/or a light chain including SEQ ID NO: 21; an Ab heavy chain including SEQ ID NO: 26 and/or a light chain including SEQ ID NO: 31; an Ab heavy chain including SEQ ID NO: 36 and/or a light chain including SEQ ID NO: 41; an Ab heavy chain including SEQ ID NO: 46 and/or a light chain including SEQ ID NO: 51; an Ab heavy chain including SEQ ID NO: 56 and/or a light chain including SEQ ID NO: 61; an Ab heavy chain including SEQ ID NO: 66 and/or a light chain including SEQ ID NO: 71; or an Ab heavy chain including SEQ ID NO: 76 and/or a light chain including SEQ ID NO: 81.

In additional examples, any of the Abs (e.g., a human or humanized IgG3) or antigen-binding fragments (e.g., an antigen-binding fragment of a human or humanized IgG3) provided herein might bind to SpA with a K_(D) of less than 1×10⁻¹⁰ M (e.g., less than 1×10⁻¹¹ M or less than 1×10⁻¹² M) and/or be capable of displacing human Abs (e.g., one or more of IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4) bound to SpA, where the antigen or antigen-binding fragment has a set of six CDRs has no more than one, two, three, four, five, or six total amino acid substitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions) in the set (the entire set) of six CDRs selected from the group consisting of:

(i) SEQ ID NOs: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9;

(ii) SEQ ID NOs: 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, and 19;

(iii) SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, and 29;

(iv) SEQ ID NOs: 32, 33, 34, 37, 38, and 39;

(v) SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43, 44, 47, 48, and 49;

(vi) SEQ ID NOs: 52, 53, 54, 57, 58, and 59;

(vii) SEQ ID NOs: 62, 63, 64, 67, 68, and 69; or

(viii) SEQ ID NOs: 72, 73, 74, 77, 78, and 79.

For example, an Ab (e.g., a human or humanized IgG3) or an antigen-binding fragment (e.g., an antigen-binding fragment of a human or humanized IgG3) provided herein can include a set of six CDRs that has no more than one, two, three, or four total amino acid substitutions in the set (the entire set) of six CDRs of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9. For example, an Ab (e.g., a human or humanized IgG3) or antigen-binding fragment (e.g., an antigen binding fragment of a human or humanized IgG3) provided herein can comprise or consist of:

(i) a set of six CDRs of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9;

(ii) a set of six CDRs of SEQ ID NOs: 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, and 19;

(iii) a set of six CDRs of SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, and 29;

(iv) a set of six CDRs of SEQ ID NOs: 32, 33, 34, 37, 38, and 39;

(v) a set of six CDRs of SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43, 44, 47, 48, and 49;

(vi) a set of six CDRs of SEQ ID NOs: 52, 53, 54, 57, 58, and 59;

(vii) a set of six CDRs of SEQ ID NOs: 62, 63, 64, 67, 68, and 69; or

(viii) a set of six CDRs of SEQ ID NOs: 72, 73, 74, 77, 78, and 79.

In additional examples, an Ab (e.g., a human or humanized monoclonal IgG3) or antigen-binding fragment (e.g., an antigen-binding fragment of a human or humanized IgG3) provided herein that specifically binds to SpA includes a variable domain selected from the group of: (i) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 5; (ii) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 10; (iii) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 15; (iv) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 20; (v) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 25; (vi) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30; (vii) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 35; (viii) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 40; (ix) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 45; (x) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 50; (xi) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 55; (xii) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 60; (xiii) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 65; (xiv) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 70; (xv) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 75; or (xvi) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 80. For example, an Ab (e.g., a human or humanized monoclonal IgG3) or antigen-binding fragment (e.g., an antigen-binding fragment of a human or humanized IgG3) can include (i) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 5 and/or a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 10; (ii) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO:15 and/or a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 20; (iii) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 25 and/or a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30; (iv) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 35 and/or a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 40; (v) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 45 and/or a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 50; (vi) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 55 and/or a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 60; (vii) a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 65 and/or a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 70; or a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 75 and/or a variable domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 80.

Some embodiments of any of the Abs (e.g., human or humanized monoclonal IgG3) or antigen-binding fragments (e.g., an antigen-binding fragment of a human or humanized IgG3) described herein have one or more (e.g., one, two, three, or four) of the following activities: specifically bind to SpA in a strain of MRSA; specifically bind to an epitope defined by SEQ ID NO: 1; bind to SpA with a K_(D) of less than 1×10⁻¹⁰ M (e.g., less than 1×10⁻¹¹ M or less than 1×10⁻¹²); and displace human Abs bound to SpA in the cell wall of a Staphylococcus aureus bacterium (e.g., a MRSA bacterium).

Pharmaceutical Compositions

Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (e.g., a non-natural pharmaceutically acceptable carrier) and at least one (e.g., two, three, or four) of any of the Abs or antigen-binding fragments provided herein. Non-limiting examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include sterilized water, physiological saline, stabilizers, excipients, antioxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid), buffers (e.g., phosphate, citrate, histidine, and other organic acids), antiseptics, surfactants (e.g., PEG and Tween), chelating agents (e.g., EDTA or EGTA), and binders. Additional examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers also include low-molecular-weight polypeptides, proteins (e.g., serum albumin and gelatin), amino acids (e.g., glycine, glutamine, asparagine, glutamic acid, asparagic acid, methionine, arginine, and lysine), sugars and carbohydrates (e.g., polysaccharides and monosaccharides), and sugar alcohols (e.g., mannitol and sorbitol). When preparing an aqueous solution for injection, physiological saline and isotonic solutions comprising glucose and other adjuvants such as D-sorbitol, D-mannose, D-mannitol, and sodium chloride may be used, and if necessary, in combination with appropriate solubilizers, such as alcohol (e.g., ethanol), polyalcohols (e.g., propylene glycol and PEG), and nonionic surfactants (e.g., polysorbate 80, polysorbate 20, poloxamer 188, and HCO-50). By mixing hyaluronidase into the formulation, a larger fluid volume can be administered subcutaneously (see, e.g., Expert. Opin. Drug. Deliv. 4(4): 427-440, 2007).

The Abs and antigen-binding fragments provided herein may, e.g., be encapsulated in microcapsules (e.g., those made of hydroxymethylcellulose, gelatin, and poly(methylmetacrylate)), or incorporated as components of colloidal drug delivery systems (e.g., liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsion, nanoparticles, and nanocapsules) (see, for example, “Remington's Pharmaceutical Science 16th edition”, Oslo Ed. (1980)). Methods for preparing the pharmaceutical compositions as controlled-release pharmaceutical agents are also well-known, and such methods may be applied to the Abs and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention (see, e.g., Langer et al., J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 15: 267-277, 1981; Langer, Chemtech. 12: 98-105, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919; European Patent Application Publication No. EP 58,481; Sidman et al., Biopolymers 22: 547-556, 1983; and EP 133,988).

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be formulated for intravenous, intaarterial, intradermally, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, or oral administration.

The dose of a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be appropriately determined by considering the dosage form, method of administration, patient age and body weight, symptoms of the patient, severity of the SA infection, or level of risk of SA infection. Generally, the daily dose for an adult can be, e.g., between 0.1 mg to 10,000 mg at once or in several portions. The dose can be, e.g., 0.2 to 10,000 mg/day (e.g., 1-10 g/day, 2-8 g/day, 1-5 g/day, 0.5 to 2.5 g/day, 0.5 to 500 mg/day, 1 to 300 mg/day, 3 to 100 mg/day, or 5 to 50 mg/day). These doses may vary, depending on the patient body weight and age, and the method of administration; however, selection of suitable dosage is well within the purview of those skilled in the art. Similarly, the dosing period may be appropriately determined depending on the therapeutic progress.

Any of the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can further include one or more additional antimicrobial agents. Non-limiting examples of such antimicrobial agents include: linezolid, erythromycin, mupirocin, ertapenem, doripenem, imipenem, cilastatin, meropenem, cefadroxil, cefazolin, cefalotin, cefalothin, cephalexin, ceflacor, cefamandole, cefoxitin, cefprozil, cefuroxime, cefixime, cefdinir, cefditoren, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, ceftibuten, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone, ceftaroline fosamil, ceftobiprole, teicoplanin, vancomycin, televancin, clindamycin, lincomycin, daptomycin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, azlocillin, carbenicillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, flucloxacillin, mezlocillin, methicillin, nafcillin, oxacillin, penicillin G, penicillin V, piperacillin, penicillin G, temocillin, ticarcillin, bacitracin, colistin, polymyxin B, ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, trovafloxacin, grepafloxacin, sparfloxacin, temafloxacin, mafenide, sulfacetamide, sulfadiazine, silver sulfadiazine, sulfadimethoxine, sufamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfanilamide, sulfasalazine, sulfisoxazole, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sulfonamidochrysoidine, demeclocycline, doxycycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline, and tetracycline.

Methods of Treating a Subject having a S. aureus Infection or Reducing the Risk of Developing a S. aureus Infection in a Subject

Also provided are methods of treating a subject having a SA infection (e.g., MRSA infection, SA bacteremia, SA skin infection, SA mastitis, SA cellulitis or folliculitis, or SA-involved wound infections, abscesses, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, pneumonia, septic shock, food poisoning, or toxic shock syndrome) that include administering to a subject (e.g., a human being or another mammal such as a bovine, ovine, canine, feline, equine, hircine, leporine, porcine, or avian) in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of any of the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein or at least one of any of the Abs or antigen-binding fragments provided herein. In some examples, the subject has been diagnosed or identified as having a SA infection (e.g., a MRSA infection). Some embodiments further include (prior to the administering step) a step of diagnosing, identifying, or selecting subject having or as having a SA infection (e.g., a MRSA or VRSA infection). In some examples, the SA infection is a nosocomial infection. In some examples, the subject has previously been treated with an antibacterial treatment and the prior treatment was unsuccessful.

Also provided are methods of reducing a subject's risk of developing a SA infection (e.g., a MRSA infection) that include administering to the subject an effective amount of at least one of any of the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein or at least one of any of the Abs or antigen-binding fragments provided herein. In some embodiments, the SA infection is a nosocomial infection. Some embodiments further include prior to administering selecting or identifying a subject as having an increased risk of developing a SA infection (e.g., a MRSA infection). For example, the subject can be a medical professional (e.g., a physician, a nurse, a laboratory technician, or a physician's assistant) (e.g., a medical professional in physical contact with a subject having a SA infection (e.g., a MRSA infection)). A subject in these methods can also be a subject admitted to a hospital or inpatient treatment (e.g., a nursing home) that contains (has admitted) at least one other subject having a SA infection (e.g., a MRSA infection). The subject may be a hospitalized patient such as one in the intensive care unit, an immunocompromised patient, and a patient who has undergone or will undergo a surgical procedure (e.g, cardiac surgery).

In any of the methods provided herein, the subject can be a male or a female. For example, the subject can an infant, a toddler, an adolescent, a teenager, or an adult (e.g., at least 18 years old, at least 20 years old, at least 25 years old, at least 30 years old, at least 35 years old, at least 40 years old, at least 45 years old, at least 50 years old, at least 55 years old, at least 60 years old, at least 65 years old, at least 70 years old, at least 75 years old, at least 80 years old, at least 85 years old, at least 90 years old, at least 95 years old, or at least 100 years old). In some examples, the subject has a suppressed or weakened immune system (e.g., humoral or cellular immune system).

In some examples, the at least one pharmaceutical composition provided herein or at least one Ab or antigen-binding fragment provided herein is administered by intravenous, intaarterial, intradermally, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, or oral administration. For example, in methods of reducing the risk of developing a SA infection, the subject is administered at least one of the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein or at least one of the Abs or antigen-binding fragments provided herein prior to or shortly after coming into physical contact with a subject identified, diagnosed, having, or suspected of having SA infection (e.g., a MRSA infection).

In any of the methods described herein, the subject is administered at least one (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) dose(s) of any of the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein or at least one (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) dose(s) of any of the Abs or antigen-binding fragments provided herein. A subject can be administered two of more doses of any of the pharmaceutical compositions or at least two doses of any of the Abs or antigen-binding fragments provided herein at a frequency of at least one dose every month (e.g., at least two doses every month, at least three doses every month, at least four doses every month, at least one dose a week, at least two doses a week, at least three doses a week, at least four doses a week, at least five doses a week, at least one dose a day, at least two doses a day, or at least three doses a day).

Some embodiments further include co-administering to a subject and Ab described herein and one or more additional antimicrobial agents. Non-limiting examples of such antimicrobial agents include: linezolid, erythromycin, mupirocin, ertapenem, doripenem, imipenem, cilastatin, meropenem, cefadroxil, cefazolin, cefalotin, cefalothin, cephalexin, ceflacor, cefamandole, cefoxitin, cefprozil, cefuroxime, cefixime, cefdinir, cefditoren, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, ceftibuten, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone, ceftaroline fosamil, ceftobiprole, teicoplanin, vancomycin, televancin, clindamycin, lincomycin, daptomycin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, azlocillin, carbenicillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, flucloxacillin, mezlocillin, methicillin, nafcillin, oxacillin, penicillin G, penicillin V, piperacillin, penicillin G, temocillin, ticarcillin, bacitracin, colistin, polymyxin B, ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, trovafloxacin, grepafloxacin, sparfloxacin, temafloxacin, mafenide, sulfacetamide, sulfadiazine, silver sulfadiazine, sulfadimethoxine, sufamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfanilamide, sulfasalazine, sulfisoxazole, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sulfonamidochrysoidine, demeclocycline, doxycycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline, and tetracycline. Additional examples of therapeutic agents that can be included in any of the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are one or more Abs described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0059085.

Kits

Also provided herein are kits containing at least one (e.g., two, three, four, or five) of any of the Abs or antigen-binding fragments provided herein. In some examples, the kits can contain a recombinant SpA or a peptide comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1 or an antigenic fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1 (e.g., at least 7 continguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 1 (e.g., starting at amino acids position 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 of SEQ ID NO: 1)). In some examples, the at least one Ab or antigen-binding fragment is attached to a solid substrate (e.g., a well, a chip, a film, a bead, or a chromatography resin). Such kits can include commercial packaging and/or printed information about the Abs and methods of their use.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Generation of Human Abs that Specifically Bind to SpA and Displace Human IgG Immunoglobulins Bound to SpA via their Fc Region

Human IgG3 Abs that bind to a SpA epitope were generated as described below. Five synthesized peptides covering the IgG-binding and Xr repeat sequences in SpA were used to screen for anti-peptide Abs in the blood of 311 healthy adult volunteers. The five synthesized peptides from SpA used for screening had the sequences indicated as: SEQ ID NOs: 82, 83, 84, 85, and 1 (peptides 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively). About 4% of the healthy subjects had greater than 10-fold higher levels of anti-peptide (anti-SpA) Abs over background (hereafter called “positive donors”) as determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma from these positive donors was obtained and used to isolate true human Abs that bind specifically to a peptide covering the IgG-binding and Xr repeat sequences of SpA using the methods described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0018173. In sum, Abs of interest were isolated using antigen affinity chromatography, and de novo sequenced using mass spectrometry. In parallel, the Abs were isotyped using a human isotyping kit.

One of the isolated Abs was identified as being in the VH3 subfamily and having an IgG2 heavy chain and VK1 light chain. B-cells were isolated from the donor blood using a kit obtained from STEMCELL Technologies, Inc. Their RNA was extracted using a Trizol extraction protocol, and cDNA was generated using SuperScript III. Leader-specific primers were used to amplify the corresponding heavy and light chains of the Ab and a “directed” ScFv library was generated. The library was panned against wildtype SpA antigen for 7 rounds. The clones were screened using direct and sandwich ELISA with wildtype SpA. The selected clones were sequenced, and the heavy and light chains were cloned into vectors with an IgG3 constant (Fc) region (one that lacks the SpA recognition site in the Fab regions). The vectors were transfected into CHO cell lines, and high producing clones were picked. The purified Abs were tested for anti-SpA activity. The clones were scaled up for large-scale production, and the produced Abs were purified and used for further analyses. Examples of eight such Abs are described below:

PA8-G3 Ab

Heavy chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 5.

Heavy chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

Heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 6.

Light chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 10.

Light chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, and 9, respectively.

Light chain of SEQ ID NO: 11.

PA4-G3 Ab

Heavy chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 15.

Heavy chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 12, 13, and 14, respectively.

Heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 16.

Light chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 20.

Light chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 17, 18, and 19, respectively.

Light chain of SEQ ID NO: 21.

PA7.2-G3 Ab

Heavy chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 25.

Heavy chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, and 24, respectively.

Heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 26.

Light chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 30.

Light chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 27, 28, and 29, respectively.

Light chain of SEQ ID NO: 31.

PA15-G3 Ab

Heavy chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 35.

Heavy chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 32, 33, and 34, respectively.

Heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 36.

Light chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 40.

Light chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 37, 38, and 39, respectively.

Light chain of SEQ ID NO: 41.

PA21-G3 Ab

Heavy chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 45.

Heavy chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43, and 44, respectively.

Heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 46.

Light chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 50.

Light chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 47, 48, and 49, respectively.

Light chain of SEQ ID NO: 51.

PA27-G3 Ab

Heavy chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 55.

Heavy chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 52, 53, and 54, respectively.

Heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 56.

Light chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 60.

Light chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 57, 58, and 59, respectively.

Light chain of SEQ ID NO: 61.

PA32-G3 Ab

Heavy chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 65.

Heavy chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 62, 63, and 64, respectively.

Heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 66.

Light chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 70.

Light chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NO: 67, 68, and 69, respectively.

Light chain of SEQ ID NO: 71.

PA37-G3 Ab

Heavy chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 75.

Heavy chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 72, 73, and 74, respectively.

Heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 76.

Light chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 80.

Light chain CDRs 1, 2, and 3 of SEQ ID NOs: 77, 78, and 79, respectively.

Light chain of SEQ ID NO: 81.

A set of experiments was performed to determine whether the PA8-G3 Ab would be capable of binding to SpA on the cell wall of SA. In these experiments, SA stains ATCC #25923 or clinical isolate 00X were incubated either with (i) biotinylated PA8-G3, and then streptavidin-APC to fluorescently quantify the amount of biotin-PA-G3 bound on the SA surface (FIG. 2) or (ii) purified unlabeled PA8-G3 Ab, followed by biotinylated recombinant Fcγ receptor 1, and then streptavidin-APC to fluorescently quantify the amount of PA8-G3 bound to the SA surface that would lead to phagocytosis (i.e., have free Fc regions available to bind the recombinant Fcγ receptor 1) (FIG. 3). An anti-interleukin-1a Ab (MABp1) was used as a negative control in these experiments. The data in FIG. 2 show that PA8-G3 binds to SpA in the cell wall of SA and the data in FIG. 3 indicate that the bound PA8-G3 Ab had its Fc regions available to interact with FcR suggesting that the Ab would able to mediate opsinophagocytosis of SA in human subjects (as opposed to having its Fc regions bound to SpA and not able to engage FcRs and therefore mediate opsinophagocytosis of the bacteria).

A further set of experiments was performed to test whether binding of PA8-G3 Ab to the surface of SA would be recognized by the Fcγ receptors on phagocytes. In these experiments, two different strains of pH-rodo-green labeled S. aureus (clinical isolate 00X or ATCC #25923) were incubated with either unlabeled PA8-G3 Ab or a control Ab (MABp1), and then incubated with differentiated HL-60 cells. The resulting fluorescence of the HL-60 cells was determined using fluorescence-assisted cell sorting (FACS). The data show that PA8-G3 binds to the cell wall of both SA strains and mediates phagocytosis through the Fcγ receptors on the surface of HL-60 cells (FIG. 4). The successful phagocytosis by differentiated HL-60 cells of S. aureus bound to PA8-G3 was also evident from fluorescence microscopy experiments.

Surface plasmon resonance was used to determining the binding kinetics of PA8-G3 to SpA. In these experiments, PA8-G3 Ab was immobilized using anti-human capture sensor and commercial wildtype SpA. These data show that PA8-G3 has a K_(D) of 5.38 pM. This affinity is approximately 1000-fold higher than the nanomolar affinity of human serum IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4 to SpA.

An additional set of experiments was performed to determine whether PA8-G3 Ab would be able to successfully compete for binding to SpA with human IgG bound to SpA through their Fc receptor. In these experiments, two different S. aureus strains were pre-incubated with human sera (which contains a high concentration of Igs which bind SpA via their Fc regions) for 15 minutes prior to incubation with biotinylated PA8-G3 Ab or biotinylated MABp1-IgG3 Ab (isotype-matched negative control), then treated with streptavidin APC, and then fluorescence was determined by flow cytometry. The data show that PA8-G3 Ab was able bind SpA having human IgG Abs bound to SpA by their Fc domain (FIG. 5).

In another set of experiments, PA8-G3 antibody was shown to compete with MABp1-IgG1 (which binds SpA via its Fc region) binding on SpA-coated beads. Pre-incubating the SpA beads wth PA8-G3 reduced later added MABp1-IgG1 binding by 80.3%. Conversely, with SpA beads pre-incubated with MABp1-IgG1, later added PA8-G3 bound greater than >30% of the SpA beads surfaces within 15 minutes, whereas later added MABp1-IgG3 (isotype-matched negative control having the Fab of MABp1 and a human IgG3 Fc) did not significantly bind to SpA beads pre-incubated with MABp1-IgG1.

An additional set of experiments was performed to test the ability of additional anti-SpA Abs to promote phagocytosis of SA by differentiated HL-60 cells. In these experiments, differentiated HL-60 cells were co-incubated with pH-rodo-green labeled S. aureus and one of the following Abs: PA7.2-G3, PA4-G3, PA8-G3, PA15-G3, PA21-G3, PA27-G3, PA32-G3, PA37-G3, or MABp1. MABp1 was used as a negative control in these experiments. The data show that all of the tested anti-SpA Abs were able to promote opsinization and phagocytosis of S. aureus by differentiated HL-60 cells (FIG. 6).

Additional Bio-Layer Interferometry (using done using a ForteBio Octet Red 96 instrument) experiments were performed to determine the K_(D) of seven additional anti-SpA Abs (performed using 20 nM antigen). The resulting data showed that PA7.2-G3 has a K_(D) of less than 1×10⁻¹² M, PA4-G3 has a K_(D) of 5.38×10⁻¹² M, PA15-G3 has a K_(D) of less than 1×10⁻¹² M, PA21-G3 has a K_(D) of less than 1×10⁻¹² M, PA27-G3 has a K_(D) of less than 1×10⁻¹² M, PA32-G3 has a K_(D) of less than 1×10⁻¹² M, and PA37-G3 has a K_(D) of less than 1×10⁻¹² M.

In sum, the data show that the Abs provided herein can bind with very high affinity to SpA in the cell wall of SA, promote phagocytosis by immune cells, and are capable of doing so in the presence of human IgGs bound to SpA by their Fc domain.

Example 2

In Vivo Survival Study of Monoclonal Antibody PA8 in Mice Bacteremia/Sepsis Model. Survival of mice from S. aureus bacteremica was examined using prophylactic doses of PA8 (the monoclonal antibody termed PA8-G3 described in Example 1).

Female Balb/C mice (6-8 weeks of age) were purchased from Charles River Laboratory, NIH, Maryland. Upon arrival, the mice were examined, group housed (10/cage) in cages with absorbent bedding. All mice were placed under the required husbandry standards found in the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

The protective efficacy of PA8 was investigated in the SA sepsis model induced by intravenous injections (i.v.) of 2×10⁷ CFUs of MRSA strain NR-46223. Mice were treated intravenously with PA8 at specific doses (5 mg or 10 mg) 3 h prior to MRSA infection or two doses of 5 mg each at day 0 and 3. Control mice were treated with formulation buffer only. The mice were followed for 10 days (twice per day) at which point all remaining mice were sacrificed.

Three hours after the PA8/formulation buffer (0.1 ml) i.v. administration, the mice were challenged with a single intravenous (IV) injection of S. aureus strain NR-46223 (2×10⁷ CFU in 0.1 ml). One set of mice was given two doses of 5 mg each at day 0 and 3. Significant differences in the relative survival times between treatment groups were detected. Referring to FIG. 7A-D, passive administration of single dose of 5 mg (A) or 10 mg (B), or two doses of 5 mg at day 0 & day 3 (C), of mAb PA8 (intravenously) enhances the survival of BALB/c mice significantly higher than formulation buffer treatment in dose dependent manner (10 mice per group) with Staphylococcus aureus sepsis (induced by intravenous injection of 2×10⁷ colony-forming units of methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain NR-46223). Section (D) shows the survival using all different treatment in one graph. Fifty percent (5/10) of the mice survived that received 5 mg of Mab PA8 (p=0.016), sixty percent that received two doses of 5mg each (p=0.09), and seventy percent (7/10) that received 10mg of mAb PA8 (p=0.003) compared to 10% (1/10) of mice that received formulation buffer (1/10) survived the bacterial challenge with S. aureus NR-46223. Statistical analysis of the animal data was conducted using Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis with a Mantel-Cox (logrank) test. These results clearly indicate that PA8 provides a significant level of protection against lethal infection with S. aureus MRSA strain.

Example 3

Female Balb/C Mice (10 per group) from Charles River Laboratory were injected with 0.5 mg of vancomycin via intraperitoneal route, along with different sub-optimal doses of PA8-G3 (0 mg, 2.5 mg and 5 mg via intravenous route) two hours prior to infection with MRSA (NR 46223 at 3×10⁷ CFU i.v.). The mice were observed for 14 days. Referring to FIGS. 8A-C, at day 14, only 10% of the PBS treated mice survived, 30% of the vancomycin treated mice survived. However, when 2.5 mg of PA8-G3 was injected along with vancomycin treatment, then 60% of the animals survived (p=0.027), and when 5 mg of PA8-G3 was injected with vancomycin, then 60% of the animals survived and those mice that died lived longer than the lower dosage (p=0.016). This data indicates that sub-efficacious doses of PA8-G3 can rescue animals from SA mediated bacteremia, when co-treated with sub-optimal dose of vancomycin. Statistical analysis of the animal data was conducted using Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis with a Mantel-Cox (logrank) test.

Other Embodiments

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a purified monoclonal antibody which specifically binds Staphylococcus aureus protein A (SpA) with a K_(D) of less than 1×10⁻¹⁰ M via its Fab region paratope, wherein the monoclonal antibody is able to displace human IgG immunoglobulins bound to SpA on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria via their Fc regions.
 2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody is a human or humanized IgG3 monoclonal antibody.
 3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody specifically binds to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the monoclonal antibody is able to mediate opsinization of SpA-expressing Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the presence of at least 1 mg/ml of IgG immunoglobulins which bind SpA via their Fc regions.
 5. A method of treating a Staphylococcus aureus infection in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a purified monoclonal antibody which specifically binds Staphylococcus aureus protein A (SpA) with a K_(D) of less than 1×10⁻¹⁰ M via its Fab region paratope, wherein the monoclonal antibody is able to displace human IgG immunoglobulins bound to SpA on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria via their Fc regions.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the monoclonal antibody is a human or humanized IgG3 monoclonal antibody.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the monoclonal antibody specifically binds to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the monoclonal antibody is able to mediate opsinization of SpA-expressing Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the presence of at least 1 mg/ml of IgG immunoglobulins which bind SpA via their Fc regions.
 9. The method of claim 5, wherein the Staphylococcus aureus infection is bacteremia.
 10. The method of claim 5, wherein the Staphylococcus aureus infection is caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
 11. The method of claim 5, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered to the subject intravenously.
 12. The method of claim 5, wherein vancomycin is co-administered with the monoclonal antibody. 